Go Outside & Play in New York State

Aging Successfully – Benefits of Hiking

I’ve been feeling sorry for myself lately. I look in the mirror and see that my face is sagging into a mass of wrinkles. It’s genetic. I watched the same transformation occur to my mother 3 decades ago. But knowing that doesn’t make it any easier.

Today my copy of the “Finger Lakes Trail News” arrived. (The “News” is the FLTC magazine – a wonderful benefit of membership.) As usual, I curled up in my lazy-boy chair to read it cover to cover. In there, an article by Sharon A. Brangman, MD titled “Exercise and Aging” made me feel better. She stated, “Many people think that the key to successful aging is to look as youthful as possible. They spend a lot of time and money on hair coloring, Botox injections, breast augmentation and other types of plastic surgery. These people are missing the opportunity to age successfully by focusing too much on these superficial markers of youth.” She then went on to describe all the physical and mental benefits of exercising and how it allows you to stay vital as you age.